Top Tools For New Quilters

If you are new to quilting and sewing, like I am, there can be a lot to learn. You want to embrace this new hobby but at the same time, not be taken in by every gadget and tool available until you really have a chance to find out which items really work for you. According to Gitnux.com, the average quilter spends $3,363 annually on their quilting endeavors. So, if you want to start small in order to just dip your toe in, it’s essential to know which tools you cannot live without while you explore the craft.

Where do you start? You ask 3000 of your closest friends, or course. I got the answers I needed by asking one question of my buddies in our Facebook group Cotton Cuts Fabric.

“What is a must-have tool for a new quilter?”

As usual, this group comes through with great advice. Many tools were listed as must-haves, along with non-material items (A sense of humor, patience and practice.) and some sarcastic comments.

Jossalin says you need a swear jar so you can fill it with money to buy more fabric. And Mary thinks it is essential to have a cat, who will watch you sew and keep you company. Holly thinks a “magic ATM” is a must have, which I think we can all agree on. And positive Cheryl says you need a can-do attitude. And, it is also important to have coffee, chocolate and wine.

But beyond the fun and frolic, let’s get down to the actual list of items you should acquire to make you deep dive into sewing as easy as possible.

1. Seam Ripper
2. Rotary Cutter
3. Scissors
4. Cutting Mat
5. Pressing Mat
6. Iron and/or Seam Roller
7. Ruler - all kinds
8. Magnifying glass
9. Sewing Clips
10. Sewing machine 

I found this terrific set of snips, scissors and seam rippers all in one packet on Amazon. I love the different sizes of seam ripper that came with the package. And the little snips are so easy to grab and use when its time to snip threads. Definitely a great purchase.

My new seam roller, pressing mat and tiny iron. The size of the iron is hysterical to me. It's so tiny! It is a crafting iron. It is about as simple as an iron can get. I haven't used it yet, but when I get my sewing area set up in my permanent location, I will use it often. The cord is really short. It will need an extension cord or a power strip very close by to be useful. I am glad to have it for my desk, but I don't think this means I will be putting my regular iron away. 

The pressing mat is 8x10. I think, in retrospect, it is a little small. I would consider going up a size if you are reading this for advice. However, it is a good "get started" mat, and will store well on my desk. 

And the seam roller. This is the tool I didn't know I needed until I asked for a list of essential tools. I love this tool! So easy to use and it actually works to press down those seams. I didn't think it would be as effective as it is. If I had to choose between the little craft iron and the seam roller, I would choose the seam roller every day of the week.

This has joined my tool box, courtesy of my mother-in-law. It is a standard magnifying glass. My older eyes need this to thread the needle on my machine. And it does make it a snap to get that thread through the eye. There is a needle threader on my machine but I do not have the hang of it yet, so this magnifying glass is a must. If you have one lying around, like I did, find it and keep it handy.

In addition to knowing so many talented sewers from work, my next-door neighbor is also a lifelong sewer. She was so supportive when I told her I was going to give it a go. She arrived on my front porch one weekend with this rotary cutter and mat. She also gave me the quilting square in the photo below. 

Yes, both of these items are essential. My sewing projects so far have been the Cotton Cuts Gnome of the Month and the first two clues of my PMQ Village Green Bluebell. Those pre-cuts do not require these tools. But, I did cut down a few scraps of fabric from a Cotton Cuts Snip-It bag over the weekend. Take my word for it, that rotary cutter is sharp, and you should be careful using it. I cut my hand twice. If I continue to be this careless, I will be buying a protective glove like we are required to wear in the Cotton Cuts shop.

After watching a few YouTube tutorials, I decided sewing clips might be a good idea. So I ordered these on-line. This is a bag of 100 for just under $7.00. I have not actually put them to use yet, as they just arrived. They are all the same size. I am wondering if I will need a variety of sizes. I am also wondering how quickly I am going to go through a bag of 100. Is this too much? Or do they disappear like hair bands and bobby pins? 

I did decide that these were a good investment over keeping binder clips (from the office store) on hand to do the same job. One quick question on Facebook and those in the group assured me this was a good idea. 

My quilting square, courtesy of my neighbor. It is waiting for me, and I know will be essential when I start cutting my own fabric. 

The week I started working at Cotton Cuts, Kim gave me a box of goodies to welcome me to the team. I'm sure our fans recognize the tape measure and pencil sharpener/eraser. These two items have been waiting patiently on my desk for me to finally take the sewing plunge. Now they are ready for me to use, and have been added to my box of essential sewing tools.

Clue

And last but not least, my sewing machine. This is another generous gift from my neighbor. Her latest passion is rehabbing sewing machines. She helps other sewers fix their temperamental machines, and helps with maintenance as needed. And, she rehabs donated machines, working with a man who takes machines to other countries so the recipients can earn a living sewing. 

This one she acquired from a friend just for me. It is so simple and easy to learn on. I'm sure someday I will toy with something bigger and badder, but for right now, this is perfect. Note I have already started decorating it with my Cotton Cuts stickers!

So, I am on my way. My Gnomes of the Month are piling up. I have completed Clue 2 of my PMQ Bluebell. I hope that by the time Clue 7 arrives, I will be all caught up on my first Puzzle Mystery Quilt. 

I have the bug, fellow quilters. We will see where it goes.